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In advent, people decorate their houses and have a celebration. They prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. It isn't about the gifts but mostly the birth of Jesus.During Advent, we wait-counting the Sundays, weeks, and days until Christmas. Few of us are patient waiters. The spirituality of the season is joyful anticipation-and anticipation involves waiting. Most of us think of waiting as passive, but our attitude about the wait-both the process and what we're waiting for-makes a big difference.
In Henri Nouwen's book Finding My Way Home: Pathways to Life and the Spirit, he includes a chapter called "The Path of Waiting." He shares examples of biblical figures who waited-Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Simeon and Anna. He holds them up as models for us because of the way they waited. Their waiting was active and faith-filled because they were waiting for something that had already begun for them.

I've selected a clip from the audio book Finding My Way Hometo share with you (Real Media | Windows Media). This book contains four chapters: "The Path of Power," "The Path of Peace," "The Path of Waiting," and "The Path of Living and Dying." While this book is not specifically an Advent resource, these themes certainly fit well within the season of Advent. Father Nouwen's theology of downward mobility resonates with the Christian call to be countercultural, particularly during a season that's so focused on material consumption. It also reminds us that our God "humbled himself to share in our humanity" and was born in a simple stable.

Reflect on a chapter each week of Advent-for your personal preparation for Christmas, with the pastoral staff or a small group. Keep a copy in your parish lending library for year-round use.

Pay attention this Advent. Wait patiently-being present to the presence of God in every moment.
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Related Questions

Why do people fast during Advent?

Fasting is not required during Advent.


What do people eat during Advent?

They can and do eat whatever they wish to eat during Advent.


What part of the Mass is omitted during Advent on Sundays?

The Gloria is not said at Mass during Advent and Lent.


What is lit at advent?

The Roman Catholic church has a tradition of lighting Advent Candles during the four weeks of Advent.


Why do you sing Christmas hymns during advent?

because hyms hymns are prayers, and you pray a lot during advent.


What is remembered during the festival of advent?

Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas.


How can you practice hospitality during Advent?

The primary thing that you have to do during Advent is to prepare for Christmas, you do this through confession, Mass, and prayer.


Is the alleluia sung or said during Advent?

In the Traditional Roman Rite the Alleluia is used on Sundays of Advent along with the Gradual, but if the Mass from the Sunday is used during the week the Alleluia is omitted. It is not omitted during Advent in the Divine Office.


Who is the Advent Saint?

I am not sure what you mean by Advent Saint. There are hundreds of saints who have a feast day during Advent, including St. Nicholas of Myra. However, if any saint would be named as the Advent Saint it would be St. John the Baptist as the Gospels during Advent speak of him preparing the way for the Lord.


Why is the feast of Saint Nicholas in Advent?

There are hundreds of saints who have feast days during Advent. It is just a coincidence.


What do we prepare yourselves for during Advent?

the coming of jesus


Who in the bible represents peace during advent?

Jesus